DAVID Wright says he will take inspiration from respected academy coach Dario Gradi after joining Colchester United’s coaching team.

The former U’s midfielder has landed a full-time role at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, where he will work alongside under-21 coach John McGreal.

Wright has also been appointed as Maldon & Tiptree boss, as part of the U’s newly-established linkup with the Ryman League division one north side.

The 35-year-old, who left the U’s last November after retiring from playing, had been coaching Ipswich Town’s under-16 side on a part-time basis.

Now he has returned to Colchester and says he gained plenty of knowledge from his days at Crewe Alexandra, playing under legendary coach Gradi.

“Going down the coaching route has been something that’s been on my mind for many years,” said Wright.

“I’ll be using all of the experience I gained as a player and picking people’s brains as I go along.

“I’ve been very fortunate with my football education.

“I started at Crewe, under Dario Gradi and Steve Holland so in that respect, my education is second to none.

“I’ve played under a great deal of coaches and I’ve taken something from all of them.”

Wright’s appointment as Maldon’s new boss is his first-ever managerial role and he admits he is new to the non-league game.

However, the former Wigan Athletic player says he will be tapping into the knowledge of Steve Ball, who managed Ryman Premier side Leiston before leaving them after 11 months to take over as the U’s joint under-18s coach with Wayne Brown, last October.

“I’m fortunate to have Steve in my corner to get advice from,” said Wright, who has added former U’s duo Merrick James-Lewis and Nnamdi Nwachuku to his squad along with current Colchester coaches Liam Bailey and Mark Levey.

“He managed at Leiston and he’s got a good knowledge of the non-league game, so I’ll be picking his brains.

“To have him in my corner is very good because throughout the season, I’m sure I’ll be tapping into his knowledge.

“I’ve played against many of the local non-league sides in pre-season friendlies and I do have an understanding of that level of football."

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